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THE LESSON
A published poem by Dorothy Jean West
When the Wind came
The Tree had not learned to bend
So it broke
The Wood was retrieved
to make
an Oxen Yoke
The Ox would not lead
where it was told to go
Refusing to Learn
what others had to show
The Seeker's cup was too full
The Guide could put nothing in
So left to himself
he became an Aimless Wind
What does this mean to you
if you will not Listen and Learn?
The Ox they killed and ate
and the Tree they Burned
THE MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
Author Unknown
The relationship of the instructor to the training hall is very difficult to define, as it encompasses many varying aspects of life. The instructor must flow through the student in many levels of communication and reach to the far corners of his life. The instructor is a father and at times , a mother; an advisor and a chastiser. The instructor though different, is the same as everyone else. He is human and deserves respect, for he has traveled very long upon the way.
The instructor is a good teacher. By this, it is meant that he can convey the appropriate knowledge to his students at the correct time in the best manner. He must be able to see them and their problems as they seldom can - impartially. The instructor shows no favor. As progression is attained he becomes harder on those who progress. He is kind but firm to the beginners on the path.
He advises in an appropriate manner on the inner spiritual aspects of the art. He always has a friendly ear to listen, but is not outwardly moved. Many people are unable to see the instructor properly. They tend to seem him as a teacher or friend. He is neither. He is both. He is more. He sees a student in a free way, unmoved by the external face or appearance, and helps in the best way. If he has to be hard, he is so. If he has to be soft, he is so. His attitudes are in the best interest of the student.
Often the instructor may test his students by taking views diametrically opposed to theirs and watch their reaction. He will seldom openly praise. In the martial arts, silence is the best praise. He will note what affects the student in and out of the training hall, how he acts towards his friends, family, fellow students; and act accordingly. He will say nothing when he should speak. He is kind and understanding. He can be hard. He can be compassionate. Through all these externals, his heart is forever with them. He listens when they speak and understands their feelings. He is unmoved but can move charitably if necessary.
He is active in a subdued way. He gives while others take, and asks no reward. He is sad. He is happy. He is let down. He is uplifted. He holds to the way, for that way is him.
Through outside may change, the instructor does not; though he can adapt at will, he inward ideals are always there.
He may be abused, but he thanks in return; blamed or criticized, he persists. He persists when there is no reason to, that is why he is a Master.
On the average, it takes 2,000 students to produce one good master/martial arts instructor.
If you have one - take good care of him.
- AUTHOR UNKNOWN -
Sifu Giuseppe Aliotta of West Coast Martial Arts Academy
presents
Seminar with Grandmaster Wai Hong
Father of Fu Jow Pai
August 18th and 19th
At West Coast Martial Arts Academy
463 Encinitas Blvd., Enciiitas, CA 92024
Contact information for registration or more information:
Phone: 760-9425425 e-mail:
harkfu@aol.com website:
www.westcoastmaa.com